Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has designated bromazolam, often referred to as “Designer Xanax,” as a Schedule I controlled substance, marking a significant step in a nationwide effort to curb the spread of the dangerous drug.

A news release said that the classification places bromazolam alongside substances such as heroin and LSD, signaling a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. The move follows a request from a coalition of 21 state attorneys general, including Marshall, who urged federal officials last year to take emergency action against the drug.

GCM reported in August 2025 that Marshall had joined the coalition urging federal officials to take emergency action to ban bromazolam.

With the Schedule I designation now in place, law enforcement agencies across the country have expanded authority to investigate, seize and prosecute cases involving bromazolam. Officials say the decision also raises public awareness about the drug’s risks and strengthens efforts to limit its availability.

“The DEA’s decisive action arms law enforcement officers across the state with the critical tools and authority they need to stand firmly against the growing threat of dangerous and unpredictable substances like bromazolam,” Marshall said in the release. “As evidenced by our successful litigation holding opioid manufacturers accountable, we are committed to protecting our communities. With the recent news, Alabama is better equipped than ever to do so.”

Public health officials and law enforcement agencies have increasingly raised alarms about bromazolam, citing its potency and the challenges it presents in overdose situations. Unlike opioids, overdoses involving bromazolam do not respond to naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, which is widely used to reverse opioid overdoses.

The inability to counteract bromazolam with naloxone significantly increases the risk of fatal outcomes, particularly as the drug appears more frequently in illicit markets. Authorities warn that its unpredictable effects and growing presence make it a serious and evolving threat nationwide.

The DEA’s action reflects a broader effort to address emerging synthetic drugs that often evade regulation until their use becomes widespread. Officials say the new classification will help streamline enforcement and prevention strategies as states continue to confront shifting patterns in substance abuse.